US20080271270A1 - Probe cleaning tube - Google Patents
Probe cleaning tube Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080271270A1 US20080271270A1 US12/104,955 US10495508A US2008271270A1 US 20080271270 A1 US20080271270 A1 US 20080271270A1 US 10495508 A US10495508 A US 10495508A US 2008271270 A1 US2008271270 A1 US 2008271270A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- probe
- tube
- resin tube
- cleaning
- soft resin
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
- A61B2090/701—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments for flexible tubular instruments, e.g. endoscopes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to cleaning an Ultrasound probe.
- An ultrasound probe with a guide wire port has a guide wire port to pass through a guide wire at the distal end, and the guide wire can conduct the ultrasound probe to the portion to be observed.
- An endoscope to be used for inspections and treatment should be properly cleaned and high-level disinfected not only its outer surface but also all channels including auxiliary water and elevator wire channels, because it may comes in contact with mucous membranes directly or indirectly.
- the precleaned endoscope is placed in a cleaning tub. Then, to clean and disinfect the insides of the channels of the endoscope, connect the proper connecting tube to supply a fluid such as a liquid, a gas, etc. into the channels
- the lid of the cleaning tub is closed and a predetermined service is pressed to start a cleaning and disinfecting step.
- a cleaning step is started and then a disinfecting step is started.
- a detergent solution is supplied to the cleaning tub to start a cleaning process.
- the outer surface of the endoscope is cleaned by the flow of the detergent solution.
- Each of the channels of the endoscope is cleaned by passing the detergent solution to the cleaning tub at the optimum flow rate.
- the detergent solution is drained and the cleaning tub and each of the channels of the endoscope are rinsed with water.
- control is passed to the disinfecting step, and the disinfectant solution is supplied to the cleaning tub. Then, the disinfectant solution is further supplied to the channels of the endoscope at the optimum flow rate. After the disinfectant solution is filled in the channels of the endoscope, the endoscope is soaked in the disinfectant solution for some time to complete the disinfecting process. After the disinfecting step, the disinfectant solution is drained with rinsing water, and then the endoscope is dried, thereby terminating the series of steps.
- the endoscope reprocessor has become widespread to improve the efficiency of the operation and protect the health of the person in charge of the reprocessing procedure against the toxicity of the disinfectant solution.
- the endoscope reprocessor has an ultrasonic cleaning function to correctly clean and disinfect the complicated and non-smooth shape of the endoscope. Relating to the ultrasound probe, there is a need to clean it by the endoscope reprocessor as with the endoscope.
- the probe cleaning tube is made of at least a soft resin tube, and includes:
- a removable water supply nozzle attachment provided at one end of the soft resin tube for coupling to the water supply nozzle
- a drain unit having a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe.
- a probe cleaning tube cleans a probe in a cleaning tub of an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply port for supplying a detergent solution to the cleaning tub according to the present invention.
- the probe cleaning tube is made of at least a plurality of soft resin tube and one or more joints having three or more outlets, and one end of the first soft resin tube is coupled to a first outlet of the joint, and the probe cleaning tube includes:
- a drain unit having a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe
- the probe configured to be inserted toward the drain unit of the first soft resin tube from a second outlet corresponding to the first outlet in the joint outlets;
- a removable water supply nozzle attachment for coupling to the water supply nozzle at a distal end of a second soft resin tube to which a third outlet of the joint is coupled.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an endoscope reprocessor 1 ;
- FIG. 2 shows the entire ultrasound probe cleaning tube according to the first mode for embodying the invention
- FIG. 3 shows the state of cleaning an ultrasound probe 20 using an ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 when the ultrasound probe is cleaned;
- FIG. 5 shows an example (1) of the sectional view of the distal end structure of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention
- FIG. 6 shows an example (2) of the sectional view of the distal end structure of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention
- FIG. 7 shows an example (3) of the sectional view of the distal end structure of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the probe cleaning tube according to the second mode for embodying the invention.
- FIG. 9 shows the state of providing a plurality of probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the first embodiment of the third mode for embodying the invention
- FIG. 10 shows the state of providing a plurality of probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the second embodiment of the third mode for embodying the invention.
- an ultrasound transducer is destroyed based on the sound field of an ultrasonic cleaning function of the endoscope reprocessor.
- an ultrasound transducer is mounted at the distal end of the ultrasound probe.
- the ultrasound transducer has a structure in which it is easily oscillated at a specific frequency to transmit and receive an ultrasound by means of oscillation.
- the state of the sound field in the cleaning tub by the ultrasonic cleaning function depends on the method of placing the endoscope to be cleaned. Therefore, depending on the state of the sound field, the ultrasound transducer can be destroyed by the standing wave resonating with the ultrasound transducer provided at the distal end of the ultrasound probe.
- the cleaning and disinfecting procedure can be unsatisfactory due to the microstructures of the ultrasound probe.
- the ultrasound probe having microstructures such as a guide wire port
- the detergent solution or chemical agents cannot completely reach the microstructures in the cleaning tub of the endoscope reprocessor although the probe can be arranged in the cleaning tub of the endoscope reprocessor.
- the detergent solution may not be able to satisfactorily enter the guide wire port. Therefore, the microstructures are manually cleaned and disinfected at present.
- the modes for embodying the invention provides an ultrasound probe cleaning tube for improving the cleaning effect on the microstructures around the distal end of the ultrasound probe without destroying the function of the ultrasound transducer when the ultrasound probe is cleaned.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the endoscope reprocessor 1 .
- a lid 3 is provided on the upper portion of a body 2 of the endoscope reprocessor 1 .
- On the upper surface of the body 2 there are a cleaning tub 4 whose endoscope inlet is open upward and opened and closed by the lid 3 , and an operation panel 5 .
- the operation panel 5 has setting switches such as a cleaning and disinfecting operation start switch, a cleaning and disinfecting mode selection switch, etc.
- the cleaning tub 4 can store a used endoscope.
- a water supply nozzle 6 for supplying a fluid such as a detergent solution, a disinfectant solution, etc. is provided on the perimeter of the aperture of the cleaning tub 4 .
- other components including a drain port, a circulation port, etc. (not shown in the attached drawings) are provided in the cleaning tub 4 .
- FIG. 2 shows the entire ultrasound probe cleaning tube according to the present mode for embodying the invention.
- the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 is configured by a resin tube 12 , a draining member 11 , and a water supply nozzle attachment 14 .
- the water supply nozzle attachment 14 for connection and fixture to the water supply nozzle 6 is provided at one end of the resin tube 12 .
- the draining member 11 is provided at the other end (distal end) of the long resin tube 12 .
- a drain port 11 - 1 is provided for the draining member 11 , and the diameter of the drain port 11 - 1 is smaller than the diameter of the ultrasound probe.
- the water passing into the resin tube 12 is drained from the drain port 11 - 1 .
- On the side of the resin tube 12 there is an aperture (probe insertion inlet) 13 for insertion of the ultrasound probe.
- the draining member 11 , the resin tube 12 , and the water supply nozzle attachment 14 are configured by soft materials (for example, a silicon tube of a medical grade, a vinyl chloride of a medical grade, etc.) that are resistant to a detergent solution and a disinfectant solution, and do not emit environmental hormones or other toxic substance. Since the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 enters the cleaning tub 4 together with an ultrasound probe, it is necessary to configure the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 by a soft material not to damage the probe.
- FIG. 3 shows the state of cleaning the ultrasound probe 20 using the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 when the ultrasound probe is cleaned.
- the water supply nozzle attachment 14 of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 is connected and fixed to the water supply nozzle 6 .
- the ultrasound probe 20 is inserted into the resin tube 12 from the probe insertion inlet 13 in the direction of the distal end of the resin tube 12 .
- the water supplied from the water supply nozzle 6 of the endoscope reprocessor to the ultrasound probe cleaning tube flows in the direction of the distal end of the resin tube 12 along the side of the ultrasound probe 20 inserted into the resin tube 12 in the direction of the arrow, and is drained from the drain port 11 - 1 .
- Described below are the variations of the structures in which only water is drained from the distal end of the resin tube 12 and the distal end of the ultrasound probe 20 does not get out of the drain port.
- FIG. 5 shows an example (1) of the section of the structure of the distal end of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention.
- a guide wire port 25 is provided at the distal end of the ultrasound probe 20 .
- an ultrasound transducer 26 is provided at the rear of the guide wire port 25 .
- the distal end of the resin tube 12 is provided with a stopper by a draining member 11 a having a drain port 11 a - 1 .
- the surface of the draining member 11 a contacting with the resin tube 12 is serrated so that the member cannot to be easily pulled out of the resin tube 12 .
- the inner diameter of the resin tube can be designed to allow the ultrasound probe to be inserted into the tubes and allow water to pass around the ultrasound probe in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasound probe.
- the drain port 11 a - 1 passes through the draining member 11 a , the water that has passed the resin tube 12 is drained from the drain port 11 a - 1 .
- the size of the diameter of the drain port 11 a - 1 is designed smaller than the diameter of the distal end of the ultrasound probe 20 . Therefore, the distal end of the ultrasound probe 20 does not get out of the drain port 11 a - 1 .
- the position of the drain port 11 a - 1 is displaced from the center of the inner diameter of the resin tube 12 . Thus, the drain port 11 a - 1 is not blocked by the distal end of the ultrasound probe 20 .
- FIG. 6 shows an example (2) of the section of the structure of the distal end of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention.
- a hole is made in one side of the draining member 11 not to make a hole through the bottom of the draining member 11 , and the horizontal hole (drain port 11 b - 1 ) is made from the side of a bottom 110 to the outside.
- the inner diameter of the draining member 11 is larger than the diameter of the distal end of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 so that the distal end of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 can reach the bottom 110 .
- a drain port 11 ab - 1 vertically penetrates in the direction of the axis of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 , the drain port 11 b - 1 is not blocked by the distal end of the ultrasound probe 20 although the position and the size of the drain port are not restricted as shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 shows an example (3) of the section of the structure of the distal end of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention.
- the draining member 11 is not provided, the end of the resin tube 12 is closed, and a horizontal through hole (drain port 11 c - 1 ) is provided near the closed distal end.
- a horizontal through hole drain port 11 c - 1
- the transducer at the distal end of the probe is protected by the resin tube, and the resin tube can prevent an accidental damage by a standing wave that attenuates the energy of the ultrasonic cleaning. Since the structure of the surface of the ultrasound probe is simpler than the structure of the endoscope, there arises no bad influence on the effect of the cleaning although the energy of the ultrasonic cleaning attenuates.
- the probe insertion inlet 13 is provided in the side of the resin tube 12 , and the ultrasound probe is inserted into the resin tube from the probe insertion inlet 13 .
- the probe insertion inlet 13 is not provided in the side of the resin tube 12 , but the ultrasound probe is inserted into the resin tube.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube according to the present mode for embodying the invention.
- An ultrasound probe cleaning tube 30 shown in FIG. 8 is a combination of a resin tube 32 and a resin tube 33 by a tridental (tilt T-shaped) joint 31 .
- the draining member 11 is provided at the distal end of the resin tube 32 connected to an aperture 31 a of the joint 31 .
- the distal end of the resin tube 33 connected to an aperture 31 b of the joint 31 is provided with the water supply nozzle attachment 14 . Since the distal end of the resin tube 32 is the same as in the first mode for embodying the invention, the description is omitted here.
- the water supply nozzle attachment 14 of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 30 is connected and fixed to the water supply nozzle 6 .
- the ultrasound probe 20 is inserted into the resin tube 32 from an aperture 31 c of the joint 31 in the direction of the distal end of the resin tube 32 .
- a part of the water entering the joint 31 is leaked from the aperture 31 c of the joint 31 , but the ultrasound probe 20 sways by the flow of the leaking wager, thereby allowing the entire probe to correctly touch a chemical agent.
- a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes are connected to one water supply nozzle attachment.
- FIG. 9 shows the state of providing a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the first embodiment of the present mode for embodying the invention.
- an ultrasound probe cleaning tube is provided with a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes 30 shown in FIG. 8 by using a joint having a plurality of inlets.
- the resin tube 33 is connected to each of two apertures 41 a and 41 b of tridental joint 41 , and the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 30 shown in FIG. 8 is provided for each resin tube 33 .
- the resin tube 42 is connected to an aperture 41 c of the joint 41 , and the water supply nozzle attachment 14 is attached at the distal end of the resin tube 42 .
- the water supply nozzle attachment 14 is connected and fixed to the water supply nozzle 6 .
- the ultrasound probe 20 is inserted into the resin tube 32 from the aperture 31 c of the joint 31 in the direction of the distal end of the resin tube 32 .
- the tridental joint 41 is used, but it is also possible to use a joint having more inlets (having a plurality of inlets), and the ultrasound probe cleaning tube 30 shown in FIG. 8 can be provided for each aperture.
- the plurality of ultrasound probes can be simultaneously cleaned only by exchange the joints.
- FIG. 10 shows the state of providing a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the second embodiment of the present mode for embodying the invention.
- the resin tube 32 is extended from each of apertures 51 a and 51 b of a quintuple joint 51 , and the draining member 11 is attached at the distal end of each resin tube 32 .
- the resin tube 33 extends also from an aperture 51 d , and the water supply nozzle attachment 14 is attached at the distal end of the resin tube 33 .
- the water supply nozzle attachment 14 is connected and fixed to the water supply nozzle 6 .
- the ultrasound probe 20 is inserted into the resin tube 32 from the apertures 51 c and 51 e of the joint 51 in the direction of the distal end of the resin tube 32 .
- the quintuple joint 51 is used, but it is also possible to use a joint having more inlets (having a plurality of inlets), and the resin tube 32 having the draining member 11 can be provided for each aperture.
- the plurality of ultrasound probes can be simultaneously cleaned only by exchange the joints.
- the water discharged from one water supply nozzle 6 can be branched into a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes. Therefore, a plurality of ultrasound probes can be simultaneously reprocessed in one reprocessing procedure.
- the cleaning effect can be improved on the microstructures around the distal end of the ultrasound probe without destroying the function of the ultrasound transducer when the ultrasound probe is cleaned.
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Abstract
A probe cleaning tube cleans a probe in a cleaning tub of an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply nozzle for supplying liquid for reprocessing, and is made of at least a soft resin tube. An aperture is made in a side of the soft resin tube, and has a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the probe. A removable water supply nozzle attachment is provided at one end of the soft resin tube for coupling to the water supply nozzle. A drain unit has a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe.
Description
- This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-120834 filed in Japan on May 1, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated by this reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to cleaning an Ultrasound probe.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- There are various ultrasound probes such as a probe with a guide wire port, a probe with a balloon, etc. An ultrasound probe with a guide wire port has a guide wire port to pass through a guide wire at the distal end, and the guide wire can conduct the ultrasound probe to the portion to be observed.
- An endoscope to be used for inspections and treatment should be properly cleaned and high-level disinfected not only its outer surface but also all channels including auxiliary water and elevator wire channels, because it may comes in contact with mucous membranes directly or indirectly.
- When using an endoscope reprocessor, the precleaned endoscope is placed in a cleaning tub. Then, to clean and disinfect the insides of the channels of the endoscope, connect the proper connecting tube to supply a fluid such as a liquid, a gas, etc. into the channels
- The lid of the cleaning tub is closed and a predetermined service is pressed to start a cleaning and disinfecting step. First, a cleaning step is started and then a disinfecting step is started. In the cleaning step, a detergent solution is supplied to the cleaning tub to start a cleaning process. The outer surface of the endoscope is cleaned by the flow of the detergent solution. Each of the channels of the endoscope is cleaned by passing the detergent solution to the cleaning tub at the optimum flow rate. After the cleaning process, the detergent solution is drained and the cleaning tub and each of the channels of the endoscope are rinsed with water.
- Next, control is passed to the disinfecting step, and the disinfectant solution is supplied to the cleaning tub. Then, the disinfectant solution is further supplied to the channels of the endoscope at the optimum flow rate. After the disinfectant solution is filled in the channels of the endoscope, the endoscope is soaked in the disinfectant solution for some time to complete the disinfecting process. After the disinfecting step, the disinfectant solution is drained with rinsing water, and then the endoscope is dried, thereby terminating the series of steps.
- Thus, each time the endoscope is used, it is necessary to perform the above-mentioned cleaning and disinfecting steps (reprocessing procedure). Therefore, the endoscope reprocessor has become widespread to improve the efficiency of the operation and protect the health of the person in charge of the reprocessing procedure against the toxicity of the disinfectant solution.
- The endoscope reprocessor has an ultrasonic cleaning function to correctly clean and disinfect the complicated and non-smooth shape of the endoscope. Relating to the ultrasound probe, there is a need to clean it by the endoscope reprocessor as with the endoscope.
- Besides ultrasound probe, there are several kinds of prove which may be inserted into the endoscope instrument channel e.g. Position detecting probe, endo-therapy accessories.
- An invention relating to the cleaning of the endo-therapy accessories for an endoscope is disclosed by the Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2001-258902.
- A probe cleaning tube to be used with an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply port for supplying a detergent solution to the cleaning tub according to the present invention.
- The probe cleaning tube is made of at least a soft resin tube, and includes:
- an aperture made in a side of the soft resin tube, and having a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the endoscope probe;
- a removable water supply nozzle attachment provided at one end of the soft resin tube for coupling to the water supply nozzle; and
- a drain unit having a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe.
- A probe cleaning tube cleans a probe in a cleaning tub of an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply port for supplying a detergent solution to the cleaning tub according to the present invention.
- The probe cleaning tube is made of at least a plurality of soft resin tube and one or more joints having three or more outlets, and one end of the first soft resin tube is coupled to a first outlet of the joint, and the probe cleaning tube includes:
- a drain unit having a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe;
- the probe configured to be inserted toward the drain unit of the first soft resin tube from a second outlet corresponding to the first outlet in the joint outlets; and
- a removable water supply nozzle attachment for coupling to the water supply nozzle at a distal end of a second soft resin tube to which a third outlet of the joint is coupled.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of anendoscope reprocessor 1; -
FIG. 2 shows the entire ultrasound probe cleaning tube according to the first mode for embodying the invention; -
FIG. 3 shows the state of cleaning anultrasound probe 20 using an ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 when the ultrasound probe is cleaned; -
FIG. 5 shows an example (1) of the sectional view of the distal end structure of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention; -
FIG. 6 shows an example (2) of the sectional view of the distal end structure of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention; -
FIG. 7 shows an example (3) of the sectional view of the distal end structure of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the first mode for embodying the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the probe cleaning tube according to the second mode for embodying the invention; -
FIG. 9 shows the state of providing a plurality of probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the first embodiment of the third mode for embodying the invention; -
FIG. 10 shows the state of providing a plurality of probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the second embodiment of the third mode for embodying the invention. - When an ultrasound probe is cleaned by an endoscope reprocessor, there is the possibility that an ultrasound transducer is destroyed based on the sound field of an ultrasonic cleaning function of the endoscope reprocessor. As described above, an ultrasound transducer is mounted at the distal end of the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound transducer has a structure in which it is easily oscillated at a specific frequency to transmit and receive an ultrasound by means of oscillation. On the other hand, relating to the endoscope reprocessor, the state of the sound field in the cleaning tub by the ultrasonic cleaning function depends on the method of placing the endoscope to be cleaned. Therefore, depending on the state of the sound field, the ultrasound transducer can be destroyed by the standing wave resonating with the ultrasound transducer provided at the distal end of the ultrasound probe.
- In addition, the cleaning and disinfecting procedure can be unsatisfactory due to the microstructures of the ultrasound probe. In the case of the ultrasound probe having microstructures such as a guide wire port, there is the possibility that the detergent solution or chemical agents cannot completely reach the microstructures in the cleaning tub of the endoscope reprocessor although the probe can be arranged in the cleaning tub of the endoscope reprocessor. For example, when bubbles enter the guide wire port, the detergent solution may not be able to satisfactorily enter the guide wire port. Therefore, the microstructures are manually cleaned and disinfected at present.
- Thus, the modes for embodying the invention provides an ultrasound probe cleaning tube for improving the cleaning effect on the microstructures around the distal end of the ultrasound probe without destroying the function of the ultrasound transducer when the ultrasound probe is cleaned.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of theendoscope reprocessor 1. A lid 3 is provided on the upper portion of abody 2 of theendoscope reprocessor 1. On the upper surface of thebody 2, there are acleaning tub 4 whose endoscope inlet is open upward and opened and closed by the lid 3, and anoperation panel 5. - The
operation panel 5 has setting switches such as a cleaning and disinfecting operation start switch, a cleaning and disinfecting mode selection switch, etc. - The cleaning
tub 4 can store a used endoscope. Awater supply nozzle 6 for supplying a fluid such as a detergent solution, a disinfectant solution, etc. is provided on the perimeter of the aperture of the cleaningtub 4. Furthermore, other components including a drain port, a circulation port, etc. (not shown in the attached drawings) are provided in thecleaning tub 4. -
FIG. 2 , shows the entire ultrasound probe cleaning tube according to the present mode for embodying the invention. The ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 is configured by aresin tube 12, a drainingmember 11, and a watersupply nozzle attachment 14. - The water
supply nozzle attachment 14 for connection and fixture to thewater supply nozzle 6 is provided at one end of theresin tube 12. The drainingmember 11 is provided at the other end (distal end) of thelong resin tube 12. A drain port 11-1 is provided for the drainingmember 11, and the diameter of the drain port 11-1 is smaller than the diameter of the ultrasound probe. The water passing into theresin tube 12 is drained from the drain port 11-1. On the side of theresin tube 12, there is an aperture (probe insertion inlet) 13 for insertion of the ultrasound probe. - The draining
member 11, theresin tube 12, and the watersupply nozzle attachment 14 are configured by soft materials (for example, a silicon tube of a medical grade, a vinyl chloride of a medical grade, etc.) that are resistant to a detergent solution and a disinfectant solution, and do not emit environmental hormones or other toxic substance. Since the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 enters the cleaningtub 4 together with an ultrasound probe, it is necessary to configure the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 by a soft material not to damage the probe. -
FIG. 3 shows the state of cleaning theultrasound probe 20 using the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention.FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 when the ultrasound probe is cleaned. - First, the water
supply nozzle attachment 14 of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 is connected and fixed to thewater supply nozzle 6. Theultrasound probe 20 is inserted into theresin tube 12 from theprobe insertion inlet 13 in the direction of the distal end of theresin tube 12. - Then, water is supplied from the water supply/curulation nozzle (not shown in the attached drawings). At this time, the
entire ultrasound probe 20 is immersed in thecleaning tub 4. A waterproof cap is attached to a connector 21 (not shown in the attached drawings). - Thus, the water supplied from the
water supply nozzle 6 of the endoscope reprocessor to the ultrasound probe cleaning tube flows in the direction of the distal end of theresin tube 12 along the side of theultrasound probe 20 inserted into theresin tube 12 in the direction of the arrow, and is drained from the drain port 11-1. - In addition, a part of the water supplied from the
water supply nozzle 6 of theendoscope reprocessor 1 is leaked around theprobe insertion inlet 13 in its way to the distal end. Theultrasound probe 20 sways by the flow of the leaking water, thereby allowing the entire probe to correctly touch chemical agents. - It is necessary to design a configuration in which the water circulating in the
resin tube 12 is drained from the distal end of theresin tube 12, and the distal end of theultrasound probe 20 does not get out of the drain port, but stays in theresin tube 12. - Described below are the variations of the structures in which only water is drained from the distal end of the
resin tube 12 and the distal end of theultrasound probe 20 does not get out of the drain port. -
FIG. 5 shows an example (1) of the section of the structure of the distal end of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention. Aguide wire port 25 is provided at the distal end of theultrasound probe 20. Then, anultrasound transducer 26 is provided at the rear of theguide wire port 25. - The distal end of the
resin tube 12 is provided with a stopper by a drainingmember 11 a having adrain port 11 a-1. The surface of the drainingmember 11 a contacting with theresin tube 12 is serrated so that the member cannot to be easily pulled out of theresin tube 12. The inner diameter of the resin tube can be designed to allow the ultrasound probe to be inserted into the tubes and allow water to pass around the ultrasound probe in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasound probe. - Since the
drain port 11 a-1 passes through the drainingmember 11 a, the water that has passed theresin tube 12 is drained from thedrain port 11 a-1. The size of the diameter of thedrain port 11 a-1 is designed smaller than the diameter of the distal end of theultrasound probe 20. Therefore, the distal end of theultrasound probe 20 does not get out of thedrain port 11 a-1. In addition, on the section in the direction of the short side of theresin tube 12, the position of thedrain port 11 a-1 is displaced from the center of the inner diameter of theresin tube 12. Thus, thedrain port 11 a-1 is not blocked by the distal end of theultrasound probe 20. - Since there arises the flow of water along the probe around the ultrasound probe and arises the flow of water through the guide wire port, the inner side of the guide wire port is cleaned.
-
FIG. 6 shows an example (2) of the section of the structure of the distal end of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention. In the present mode, a hole is made in one side of the drainingmember 11 not to make a hole through the bottom of the drainingmember 11, and the horizontal hole (drainport 11 b-1) is made from the side of a bottom 110 to the outside. - In
FIG. 6 , the inner diameter of the drainingmember 11 is larger than the diameter of the distal end of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 so that the distal end of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 can reach the bottom 110. - In the present embodiment, since a
drain port 11 ab-1 vertically penetrates in the direction of the axis of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10, thedrain port 11 b-1 is not blocked by the distal end of theultrasound probe 20 although the position and the size of the drain port are not restricted as shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 shows an example (3) of the section of the structure of the distal end of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 10 according to the present mode for embodying the invention. InFIG. 7 , the drainingmember 11 is not provided, the end of theresin tube 12 is closed, and a horizontal through hole (drainport 11 c-1) is provided near the closed distal end. Thus, it is not necessary to use the drainingmember 11, thereby reducing the total number of parts. - According to the present mode, the transducer at the distal end of the probe is protected by the resin tube, and the resin tube can prevent an accidental damage by a standing wave that attenuates the energy of the ultrasonic cleaning. Since the structure of the surface of the ultrasound probe is simpler than the structure of the endoscope, there arises no bad influence on the effect of the cleaning although the energy of the ultrasonic cleaning attenuates.
- In addition, since there occurs the flow of water along the probe around the ultrasound probe, complicated portions such as a guide wire port etc. can be correctly cleaned.
- Additionally, since only the attachment to the water supply nozzle of an existing endoscope reprocessor is required, it is not necessary to change the specification of the endoscope reprocessor. In addition, since a plurality of ultrasound probe can be cleaned when the endoscope reprocessor has plurality of water supply nozzle, the throughput of the reprocessing can be furthermore improved.
- In the first embodiment, the
probe insertion inlet 13 is provided in the side of theresin tube 12, and the ultrasound probe is inserted into the resin tube from theprobe insertion inlet 13. In the present mode, theprobe insertion inlet 13 is not provided in the side of theresin tube 12, but the ultrasound probe is inserted into the resin tube. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the ultrasound probe cleaning tube according to the present mode for embodying the invention. An ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 30 shown inFIG. 8 is a combination of aresin tube 32 and aresin tube 33 by a tridental (tilt T-shaped) joint 31. The drainingmember 11 is provided at the distal end of theresin tube 32 connected to anaperture 31 a of the joint 31. The distal end of theresin tube 33 connected to anaperture 31 b of the joint 31 is provided with the watersupply nozzle attachment 14. Since the distal end of theresin tube 32 is the same as in the first mode for embodying the invention, the description is omitted here. - First, the water
supply nozzle attachment 14 of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 30 is connected and fixed to thewater supply nozzle 6. Theultrasound probe 20 is inserted into theresin tube 32 from anaperture 31 c of the joint 31 in the direction of the distal end of theresin tube 32. - Then, water is supplied from the
water supply nozzle 6. Then, the water flows through theresin tube 33, reaches the joint 31, and then passes to theresin tube 32. When the water enters theresin tube 32, it flows in the direction of the distal end of theresin tube 32 along the side of theultrasound probe 20 inserted into theresin tube 32, and is then discharged from the drain port 11-1. - A part of the water entering the joint 31 is leaked from the
aperture 31 c of the joint 31, but theultrasound probe 20 sways by the flow of the leaking wager, thereby allowing the entire probe to correctly touch a chemical agent. - According to the present mode, it is not necessary to provide a hole for insertion of the ultrasound probe into the resin tube as in the first mode for embodying the invention by using a tridental joint.
- According to the present mode for embodying the invention, a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes are connected to one water supply nozzle attachment.
-
FIG. 9 shows the state of providing a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the first embodiment of the present mode for embodying the invention. In the present mode, an ultrasound probe cleaning tube is provided with a plurality of ultrasoundprobe cleaning tubes 30 shown inFIG. 8 by using a joint having a plurality of inlets. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , theresin tube 33 is connected to each of twoapertures probe cleaning tube 30 shown inFIG. 8 is provided for eachresin tube 33. Theresin tube 42 is connected to anaperture 41 c of the joint 41, and the watersupply nozzle attachment 14 is attached at the distal end of theresin tube 42. - First, the water
supply nozzle attachment 14 is connected and fixed to thewater supply nozzle 6. In each of the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tubes 30, theultrasound probe 20 is inserted into theresin tube 32 from theaperture 31 c of the joint 31 in the direction of the distal end of theresin tube 32. - Then, water is supplied from the
water supply nozzle 6. The water flows through theresin tube 42, and enters the joint 41. The water is then branched to each of theresin tubes 33 through theapertures - In
FIG. 9 , the tridental joint 41 is used, but it is also possible to use a joint having more inlets (having a plurality of inlets), and the ultrasoundprobe cleaning tube 30 shown inFIG. 8 can be provided for each aperture. Thus, the plurality of ultrasound probes can be simultaneously cleaned only by exchange the joints. -
FIG. 10 shows the state of providing a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes for one water supply nozzle attachment according to the second embodiment of the present mode for embodying the invention. InFIG. 10 , theresin tube 32 is extended from each ofapertures member 11 is attached at the distal end of eachresin tube 32. Theresin tube 33 extends also from anaperture 51 d, and the watersupply nozzle attachment 14 is attached at the distal end of theresin tube 33. - First, the water
supply nozzle attachment 14 is connected and fixed to thewater supply nozzle 6. Theultrasound probe 20 is inserted into theresin tube 32 from theapertures resin tube 32. - Then, water is supplied from the
water supply nozzle 6. The water flows through theresin tube 33, and enters the joint 51. The water is then branched to each of theresin tubes 32 through theapertures - In
FIG. 10 , the quintuple joint 51 is used, but it is also possible to use a joint having more inlets (having a plurality of inlets), and theresin tube 32 having the drainingmember 11 can be provided for each aperture. Thus, the plurality of ultrasound probes can be simultaneously cleaned only by exchange the joints. - According to the present mode for embodying the invention, the water discharged from one
water supply nozzle 6 can be branched into a plurality of ultrasound probe cleaning tubes. Therefore, a plurality of ultrasound probes can be simultaneously reprocessed in one reprocessing procedure. - In each of the modes for embodying the invention described above, variations can be realized within the gist of the present invention.
- According to the present invention, the cleaning effect can be improved on the microstructures around the distal end of the ultrasound probe without destroying the function of the ultrasound transducer when the ultrasound probe is cleaned.
Claims (9)
1. A probe cleaning tube which cleans a probe in a cleaning tub of an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply nozzle for supplying liquid for reprocess, the probe cleaning tube being made of at least a soft resin tube, and comprising:
an aperture made in a side of the soft resin tube, and having a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the probe;
a water supply nozzle attachment provided at one end of the soft resin tube for coupling and removing to the water supply nozzle; and
a drain unit having a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe.
2. The probe cleaning tube according to claim 1 , wherein
the probe is an ultrasound probe.
3. The probe cleaning tube according to claim 1 , wherein
the soft resin tube is a silicon tube or a vinyl chloride tube.
4. A probe cleaning tube which cleans a probe in a cleaning tub of an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply nozzle for supplying liquid for reprocess, the probe cleaning tube being made of at least a plurality of soft resin tube and one or more joints having three or more outlets, one end of the first soft resin tube being coupled to a first outlet of the joint, and the probe cleaning tube comprising:
a drain unit having a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe;
the probe configured to be inserted toward the drain unit of the first soft resin tube from a second outlet corresponding to the first outlet in the joint outlets; and
a water supply nozzle attachment for coupling and removing to the water supply nozzle at a distal end of a second soft resin tube to which a third outlet of the joint is coupled.
5. The probe cleaning tube according to claim 4 , wherein
the probe is an ultrasound probe.
6. The probe cleaning tube according to claim 4 , wherein
the soft resin tube is a silicon tube or a vinyl chloride tube.
7. The probe cleaning tube according to claim 4 , wherein
the water supply nozzle attachment is replaced with the second joint coupled to the distal end of the second soft resin tube, and the probe cleaning tube is provided at a fourth inlet of the second joint; and
a third soft resin tube is coupled to a fifth inlet of the second joint, and the water supply nozzle attachment is provided at a distal end of the third soft resin tube.
8. The probe cleaning tube according to claim 7 , wherein
the probe is an ultrasound probe.
9. The probe cleaning tube according to claim 7 , wherein
the soft resin tube is a silicon tube or a vinyl chloride tube.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2007-120834 | 2007-05-01 | ||
JP2007120834A JP2008272285A (en) | 2007-05-01 | 2007-05-01 | Ultrasonic probe cleaner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080271270A1 true US20080271270A1 (en) | 2008-11-06 |
Family
ID=39869006
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/104,955 Abandoned US20080271270A1 (en) | 2007-05-01 | 2008-04-17 | Probe cleaning tube |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080271270A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008272285A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102008021663A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
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US8246751B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2012-08-21 | General Electric Company | Pulsed detonation cleaning systems and methods |
CN103464395A (en) * | 2013-09-30 | 2013-12-25 | 苏州边枫电子科技有限公司 | Quantitative extruding air sac cleaning device for ultrasonic probe |
US20150068939A1 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2015-03-12 | John Russell Seitz, III | Multifunctional enclosure system for medical probes and method of use |
USD822846S1 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2018-07-10 | Olympus Corporation | Medical cleaning and disinfection apparatus |
USD824533S1 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2018-07-31 | Olympus Corporation | Medical cleaning and disinfection apparatus |
US20220000574A1 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2022-01-06 | John Russell Seitz, III | Multifunctional enclosure for medical probes |
USD957667S1 (en) * | 2018-02-01 | 2022-07-12 | Olympus Corporation | Medical cleaning and disinfection apparatus |
US11497580B2 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2022-11-15 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Cleaning of a surgical instrument force sensor |
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JPS5993503U (en) * | 1982-12-16 | 1984-06-25 | 稲葉 英造 | Fiberscope cleaning device |
JPH0416647Y2 (en) * | 1987-04-23 | 1992-04-14 | ||
JPH05293082A (en) * | 1992-04-22 | 1993-11-09 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Cleaning apparatus for endoscope |
JP3306528B2 (en) * | 1993-06-10 | 2002-07-24 | 隆嗣 板橋 | Simple nasopharyngeal fiberscope disinfector incorporating running water washing |
JP3310762B2 (en) * | 1994-02-09 | 2002-08-05 | 株式会社町田製作所 | Endoscope cleaning device |
JP3400580B2 (en) * | 1994-11-17 | 2003-04-28 | 株式会社町田製作所 | Endoscope cleaning device |
JPH08243080A (en) * | 1995-03-07 | 1996-09-24 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus |
JPH0998938A (en) * | 1995-10-04 | 1997-04-15 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Protector of insertion part of endoscope |
JPH10305011A (en) * | 1995-10-31 | 1998-11-17 | Yasuo Iwaki | Endoscope treating tool and endoscope washing, disinfecting, and drying method using it |
JP3858064B2 (en) * | 1997-07-14 | 2006-12-13 | 株式会社精研 | Endoscope washing machine using cylindrical washing tank and piston movement of detergent |
JP4217364B2 (en) | 2000-03-21 | 2009-01-28 | Hoya株式会社 | Cleaning case for endoscope treatment tool |
JP4555452B2 (en) * | 2000-10-12 | 2010-09-29 | 薫 川添 | Method and apparatus for cleaning medical device pipelines |
JP2002336192A (en) * | 2001-05-17 | 2002-11-26 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Medical system |
JP2006043190A (en) * | 2004-08-05 | 2006-02-16 | Pentax Corp | Endoscope washing and disinfecting device |
-
2007
- 2007-05-01 JP JP2007120834A patent/JP2008272285A/en active Pending
-
2008
- 2008-04-17 US US12/104,955 patent/US20080271270A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-04-30 DE DE102008021663A patent/DE102008021663A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11497580B2 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2022-11-15 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Cleaning of a surgical instrument force sensor |
US20150068939A1 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2015-03-12 | John Russell Seitz, III | Multifunctional enclosure system for medical probes and method of use |
US20220000574A1 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2022-01-06 | John Russell Seitz, III | Multifunctional enclosure for medical probes |
US11517387B2 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2022-12-06 | John R Seitz, IV | Multifunctional enclosure for medical probes |
US11931189B2 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2024-03-19 | John R Seitz, IV | Multifunctional enclosure for medical probes |
US8246751B2 (en) | 2010-10-01 | 2012-08-21 | General Electric Company | Pulsed detonation cleaning systems and methods |
CN103464395A (en) * | 2013-09-30 | 2013-12-25 | 苏州边枫电子科技有限公司 | Quantitative extruding air sac cleaning device for ultrasonic probe |
USD822846S1 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2018-07-10 | Olympus Corporation | Medical cleaning and disinfection apparatus |
USD824533S1 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2018-07-31 | Olympus Corporation | Medical cleaning and disinfection apparatus |
USD957667S1 (en) * | 2018-02-01 | 2022-07-12 | Olympus Corporation | Medical cleaning and disinfection apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2008272285A (en) | 2008-11-13 |
DE102008021663A1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SAWADA, YUKIHIKO;MIZUNUMA, AKIKO;REEL/FRAME:020820/0119;SIGNING DATES FROM 20080305 TO 20080310 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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